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Webb zeroes in on eighth Masters title

Wayne Heming

Karrie Webb is in familiar territory after an ominous second round of six-under-par 66 on Saturday to close within two strokes of the leaders and in sight of an eighth Australian Ladies Masters crown at Royal Pines.

Neither was born when Webb - eight-under after two rounds (70-66) - started her professional career in 1994.

But both know enough about the Queenslander's legendary golfing deeds and major victories to be constantly looking over their shoulders on Sunday.

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It's likely the two youngsters will play in the final group with Victorian Stacey Keating (68-67), who is nine-under after two rounds and just one stroke behind the teenaged leaders.

Reigning Australian Women's Open champion Jessica Korda (67-68) is also in contention at nine-under.

Overnight leader American Alison Walshe followed her opening round of 66 with a 71 to slip three strokes from the lead.

"I don't think they (Oh and Jutanugarn) will fear much tomorrow - that's the beauty of being a teenager," said Webb when asked if the youngsters would have trouble sleeping.

Oh, the No.5-ranked amateur in the world, is a composed 16-year-old from Melbourne's Metropolitan course.

Jutanuugarn, an exciting 17-year-old rookie from Bangkok, is already being widely tipped for big things.

Oh punched the air with her fist after an eagle putt disappeared into the cup on the 18th green, capping her spectacular round.

Afterwards she was more excited about playing a practice round with her idol Webb before the Australian Women's Open in Canberra in a fortnight than having played herself into a position to repeat Amy Yang's victory in the Masters in 2006 as an amateur.

Instead of heading to the driving range or practice putting green, Oh said she'd watch some TV and eat ice cream.

Jutanugarn already holds a special place in golf history.

At 11 years and 11 months, she dethroned Michelle Wie as the youngest player to compete in a major US men's or women's tour event.

A two-time Rolex junior player of the year, Jutanugarn streeted her rivals to be the European Tour school medallist by five shots last year.

Her older sister Moriya is also an outstanding prospect, topping the US LPGA Tour Q-school last year.

Should Webb hold the Masters trophy aloft late on Sunday afternoon, she would equal the feat of American legend Sam Snead who won the Greater Greensboro Open a record eight times.